WUSA Looking to Kick Its Way Back

The Women’s United Soccer Association -- the cable-centric soccer circuit that folded last September after its third season -- is looking to stage a number of festivals in June as a bridge to returning to a full-season slate in 2005.

Officials for the league said more than 15 communities, including those that housed the eight-team WUSA -- Atlanta; Boston; Cary, N.C.; New York/Long Island; Philadelphia; San Diego; San Jose, Calif.; and Washington, D.C. -- are interested in hosting a series of WUSA Soccer Festivals that would feature all U.S. National Team members and perhaps international players.

WUSA team rosters would be reconfigured, with the squads led by their former coaches over this series of matches, a spokesman said.

John Hendricks, Discovery Communications Inc.’s head and patriarch of the WUSA, is actively involved with the soccer circuit’s revival efforts.

"He’s been very aggressive in pursuing sponsors and investor partners for 2004 and is looking for larger contributions for 2005," the spokesman said, noting that no deals had been "signed on the dotted line."

Hendricks declined to comment, deferring questions to other WUSA officials.